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Cardiff Business School

Andrew Cooksley

Andrew’s mission in life is to make a positive difference in Wales.

He is investing in the nation’s future by creating outstanding learning opportunities for young people.

Andrew Cooksley

Andrew grew up in Cardiff and left school at the age of 15 with no qualifications. After a lot of jobs and false starts he started ACT, Wales’ leading Training provider, in 1988 at the age of 22. His passion and vision meant that the company quickly expanded into the award-winning organisation it is today.

ACT delivers traineeships, apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships to help over 6,500 learners a year achieve their career ambition. It employs over 300 members of staff in seven centres across South Wales and works with over 700 leading Welsh businesses and 17 subcontractors.

ACT is regarded as the most successful training provider in Wales. As well as receiving exceptional reports from Estyn (Her Majesties Inspectorate for Wales), ACT has received numerous prestigious awards for the quality of the training it delivers, the level of service it offers and the impact it has on Wales, including:

  • Sunday Times Best 100 Companies in the UK 2015
  • Provider Award for Social Responsiveness, Apprenticeship Awards 2014
  • Wales and West Utilities Inspiring Young Talent Award, Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards 2014
  • Investors in People Gold Awards in 2013 and 2010.

Following on from ACT’s success in Wales, Andrew has ambition to grow the business into England to deliver their first ever contract across the border and start developing a UK-wide business.